CAMPAIGN Against Arms Trade (CAAT) has called on the Premier League to strengthen club-ownership rules to prevent the Saudi regime from taking over Newcastle United.

Current owner Mike Ashley has openly wanted to rid himself of the club and looks to have finally got his wish, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, close to buying the Premier League club for a staggering £300 million.

Ashley, who has made his billions exploiting workers at his Sports Direct sports-shop chain, and Newcastle are yet to confirm reports that the deal is close.